Louis J. Jenn Memorial Park

Louis J. Jenn Memorial Park is one of a dozen city parks within the City of Lawrence. Like most Lawrence parks, sadly, it's more than a little run down but does offer an official leash-free bark park called "Waggin' Tails." The park includes picnicking, fishing, and a rental facility with a warming kitchen. The bark park includes obstacle training equipment, benches, and a double-bubbler fountain for both pets and people. Memberships in the bark park are limited to 500 people and cost $40 annually per dog for residents, $50 for non-residents. Proof of residency is required. You also pay a one-time key deposit of $25. The park's namesake is Louis J. Jenn, founder of Jenn-Air Corporation and a Central Indiana businessman who died in 1993. He had served on a variety of community boards and also owned former restaurants The Loft Inn and Chateau Normandy.The parking lot is private, yet largely separated from the park and while the rental facility is fairly accessible most of the park itself is unpaved and not what I'd call wheelchair friendly. Given the presence of a pond, this park has potential but really could use some updates.

If you just look at this park from the street, you'll see the dog park. But drive in further, and you'll discover a nice little cabin overlooking a wooded pond. It's very pretty, and there is a decent playground back there for kids. There is a giant parking lot back here, too. The city rents out the cabin for weddings and events, and they've recently redone the inside and outside, so it looks pretty nice!

This local spot is both a dog park and a community park. Near the entrance on 63rd, the "Waggin' Tails" Bark Park is a green fenced area with a few trees, benches, and some small trees. There are some "training" pieces like a pipe for dogs to run through as well.The entrance road winds back behind the bark park and there you find a small playground, a shelter, a pond, and a rental facility with a "warming kitchen". The parking lot is not conveniently located near the shelters or playground. There is a house that has been cordoned off by yellow tape on the north end of the lot. The paved walk from the lot to the shelter area is in need of repair. I can't see anyone wanting to rent the facility without some capital investment being done here. There are just a lot of other places that are available and in better condition to host an event.Review #751